The 2020-21 season will be remembered for many reasons. Unfortunately, for a second campaign running, the majority of Non-League was shutdown with only the National League’s top flight completing the season.
After 14 months of matches taking place behind closed doors as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, I was among the lucky supporters who managed to bag a ticket to Non-League Finals Day last weekend.
An underdog triumphing against all the odds having not kicked a ball in the league since early November when the season was halted, overcoming adversity to beat five higher league sides and a wily old manager’s love affair with Non-League’s most prestigious competition.
The Urchins have come from behind no fewer than EIGHT times during their fairytale run to Wembley, with mighty Notts County shipping three equalisers en route to a semi-final defeat on penalties.
OK, so the story of Hornchurch and their record-breaking march to the FA Trophy final probably won’t be coming to a cinema near you. But if Stimmo had his way, his team would be immortalised on the silver screen.
When the Hornchurch coach pulled back into the club car park last Saturday, Chris Dickson could be forgiven for feeling like he was back in Cyprus again.
Barrow boss Ian Evatt is sure to be on Zoom again today after being named FOTMOB Manager of the Year at The Non-League Paper’s 2020 National Game Awards!